MataverdeDecking.com Blog

Whether you are looking out your window at three feet of snow or sitting outdoors in the warm sunshine, it’s hard to not appreciate the splendor of a beautiful Ipe deck in the Bahamas. This lovely Ipe deck was built on Windermere Island in the Bahamas and is designed attractively to last in this lush tropical environment. Because the climate is so hot and humid and the deck is built so close to the ground, the deck was installed using stainless steel screws for the best and strongest fastening method. In a low clearance deck, proper ventilation and fastening are especially critical for a durable and long lasting installation.

Over the last several years we have heard from numerous architects throughout the US, Canada, Europe and beyond. The common theme of our conversations is strikingly similar – the Climate-Shield Rain Screen System meets their design needs better than any system available. Why? Because this remarkable rain screen system can be utilized in more varied designs and building types easily and effectively. Here are a few key reasons the design community has taken Climate-Shield under its collective wing:

There is no better way to bring the beauty of nature closer to your home than by complimenting it with a beautiful hardwood deck. One of nature’s most beautiful and durable building materials, wood offers an all-natural decking option sure to provide years of enjoyment.

Prior to its installation, all wood (regardless of species) must undergo an acclimation process in order to properly ensure its stability and longevity. During this critical phase, the wood's moisture content adjusts to the relative humidity of its new surroundings, otherwise known as reaching its equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Stacked boards undergo their natural expansion and contraction prior to installation, avoiding warping and buckling if this step was omitted.

The best method to allow wood decking to acclimate is to let it sit at the site location under a tarp in a dry, well ventilated location. Ensure that the tarp fully covers the wood pile on top but not on the sides, bottom or ends. Moisture must be allowed to escape in order achieve proper acclimation of your valuable investment.

"A local Connecticut winery recently built a beautiful outdoor space at their vineyard which showcases the natural beauty of Ipe hardwood in their portico, pergola and hardwood deck area...with a hint of spice and a lively finish."Read More

Climate-Shield is made of extra heavy duty marine grade aluminum, requires no wood furring strips and is indeed a full rain screen system, complete with all the necessary components required, regardless of your project design. There are several “rain screen clips” available on the market. None of the other options, however, offer a complete system, nor are they as strong as, or perform as well as the Climate-Shield system. Here’s a quick rundown of the project types and rain screen system options:

Calling All Contractors - the Climate-Shield Professional Installer Program is looking for reputable contractors to enroll! With the rapid increase in specifications and use of the Climate-Shield rain screen system throughout the US and Canada, the number of clients looking for good qualified contractors continues to grow. As news about the benefits of rain screen siding systems continues to spread, more and more people want to enjoy the health and financial benefits of rain screens in their own home and buildings. This growing market is creating a greater need for reliable installers who people can trust.

When a homeowner plans a decking project they are faced with a large selection of decking materials. Ipe wood decking is a perennial favorite for long-lasting residential and commercial decking projects. Learn more about what makes this beautiful and practical hardwood so popular.

Tyre Studio Architects LLC, a well-respected design build firm based in New Haven, CT, is known for their specialization in creative client-based building solutions for residential, institutional and commercial projects. Their design process is remarkably collaborative with their in-house team, subcontractors, clients and partners. This cladding design project is no exception.

Creating a safe environment for children, in and around your home, is essential to protecting them from a variety of hazards. Decks are no exception. We've created five helpful guidelines for designing a family deck which can help prevent dangerous accidents.

A wood deck is a beautiful addition that enables you to expand your living space outdoors. The excess moisture and changing temperatures during winter can be detrimental to your deck. As the winter months approach, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect your investment, so it is in the best possible condition after the spring thaw.